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You can see mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and in Uganda's Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, both reachable from Kigali. Western lowland gorillas live in Central African countries such as Gabon and the Republic of Congo. For most first-time visitors, Rwanda is the easiest and quickest choice.
Table of Contents
- The short answer
- Which gorillas live where
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Rwanda or Uganda
- Where lowland gorillas live
- Which is easiest from Kigali
- What a trek involves
- When to go
- Booking and permits
- What makes a mountain gorilla trek different
- Choosing by budget and time
- Extras beyond the gorillas
- Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer
Gorillas live only in Africa, in a handful of forests across the central and east of the continent. There are two species, the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla, and each has subspecies. Which one you see depends on where you go.
Most travellers who ask this question want to see mountain gorillas, which are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Mountain gorillas live in only two places: the Virunga volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This article covers the places we arrange from Kigali, and briefly explains where the other gorillas live.
If Rwanda is on your list, our gorilla trekking in Rwanda page explains how it works and what is included.
Which gorillas live where
| Gorilla | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain gorilla | Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda | Habituated families can be visited on foot |
| Eastern lowland gorilla | Forests of eastern Congo | Not covered by us |
| Western lowland gorilla | Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic and neighbours | Visits are possible in a few remote sites |
| Cross River gorilla | Border forest of Nigeria and Cameroon | Very rare and not open to tourism |
For a fuller explanation of how the types differ, see our article on types of gorillas. The rest of this guide focuses on the mountain gorilla, because it is the one most travellers plan a trip around.
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park lies in the north-west of Rwanda, about two and a half hours by road from Kigali. It is the closest gorilla park to any major airport in the region. Treks start from the park headquarters at Kinigi, and gorilla families live on the lower slopes of the volcanoes.
The park is compact and well organised. Visits are limited to small groups, and each family is visited by a set number of people per day. Terrain is steep, and the forest is often muddy, but treks are often short compared with other parks. Our Volcanoes National Park page has more detail.
As of this writing, a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. <!-- VERIFY: current Rwanda permit price and any changes -->
Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is a very old, dense forest in south-western Uganda. It has more than half of the world's mountain gorillas and several habituated groups spread across sectors of the park. Treks can be long, and the terrain is steep and covered in thick vegetation. Many visitors find the setting dramatic.
Bwindi is reachable from Kigali by road, crossing the border at Cyanika or Gatuna and driving several hours. Most visitors allow two to three days for a trek including travel. Our 3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali itinerary shows one way to do it, and our article on Bwindi vs Volcanoes compares the two parks in more depth.
Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is a small park on the Ugandan side of the Virunga range, close to the Rwandan border. It has one habituated gorilla family, and the group has at times moved across the border. Because there is only one family, availability is limited and sightings can vary.
Mgahinga has other attractions, including golden monkeys and volcano hikes. Our Mgahinga National Park guide explains the options. For most visitors it is a secondary choice, better suited to those who want a quieter setting or to combine several activities.
Rwanda or Uganda
The right choice depends on your priorities. Rwanda offers quick access, high standards and a compact trip. Uganda offers lower permit fees at times, a different landscape and more choice of sectors.
| Factor | Rwanda | Uganda |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Kigali | Around two and a half hours by road | A longer road journey, plus a border crossing |
| Park style | Volcanic slopes, bamboo and open forest | Dense, ancient rainforest |
| Trek length | Often shorter | Often longer |
| Trip length | Can be done in a day trip or a 3-day plan | Usually 3 days or more |
| Extras nearby | Golden monkeys, Dian Fossey hike, Musanze | Lake Bunyonyi, other Ugandan parks |
Read our longer comparison in Bwindi vs Volcanoes. If you want both, our Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari combines them in one trip from Kigali.
Where lowland gorillas live
Western lowland gorillas are the most numerous gorillas, but they live in dense, remote forests in Central Africa, including parts of Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Tourism there is limited, and many sites need long transfers by air or boat.
We do not arrange visits to those areas. If lowland gorillas interest you, ask specialists in those countries. Habituated groups in some Central African parks can be visited, but experiences differ from mountain gorilla treks, and sightings are less predictable.
Which is easiest from Kigali
For nearly all our visitors, Rwanda is the easiest option. The drive is short, the park is organised, and the trek can often be completed in a morning. Our 1-day gorilla trekking option is possible from Kigali for those with limited time, though most people prefer to spend a night near the park.
Uganda is easier if you want a longer trip, or if you want to combine gorillas with other wildlife and scenery in the same holiday.
If you have three days or fewer, choose Rwanda. If you have a week or more and want a wider trip, add Uganda.
What a trek involves
Whichever park you choose, the outline is similar. You are assigned a gorilla family, attend a briefing, and walk with a guide and trackers until you reach the group. You spend one hour with the gorillas, and keep at least seven metres from them where possible.
The physical demand depends on where the family is that day. Our gorilla trekking fitness guide explains how to prepare, and our step-by-step guide to a trekking day walks through it in detail.
When to go
Gorillas can be seen throughout the year. The drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, make walking easier because the ground is less muddy. The wetter months are quieter, and the forest is very green. See our best months for gorilla trekking article for more.
Booking and permits
Permits are limited each day and must be booked in advance. In Rwanda, permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Our gorilla permit page explains how we arrange them for you.
Book as early as you can, particularly for July to September and around holidays. If your dates are fixed, secure the permit first, then arrange flights and lodging.
What makes a mountain gorilla trek different
Mountain gorillas live in cool, high forest, and they have long, thick fur suited to cold. They are habituated, which means they are used to the presence of small groups of visitors and carry on feeding, resting and playing while you watch. The encounter is usually calm and often close.
That is the main difference from lowland gorilla visits, which usually involve waiting at forest clearings or following animals that keep their distance. For most people, a mountain gorilla trek is the most reliable way to see wild gorillas up close.
Choosing by budget and time
Budget and time are the two factors that decide most trips. A trek in Rwanda can fit into a short holiday, and costs are concentrated in the permit. A trek in Uganda often costs less in permit terms at some times of year, but adds transport and time.
Ask your operator to compare the total cost of each option, including permit, transport, lodging and extras. A cheaper permit does not always mean a cheaper trip. Our Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari shows how the two can be combined in a single itinerary from Kigali.
Extras beyond the gorillas
Both countries offer more than gorillas. Around Volcanoes National Park you can trek golden monkeys, hike a volcano, visit Dian Fossey's grave or take a cultural tour. In Uganda, popular add-ons include Lake Bunyonyi and wildlife parks such as Queen Elizabeth.
Our things to do in Volcanoes National Park besides gorillas article lists options for filling a second day, and it is worth reading before you decide how long to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you see gorillas in Africa?
Mountain gorillas can be seen in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and in Uganda's Bwindi and Mgahinga parks. Western lowland gorillas can be seen in a few Central African countries.
Which country is best for gorilla trekking?
Rwanda is best for short trips and easy access from Kigali. Uganda is a good choice for longer trips, more variety and a different landscape.
Can I see gorillas in a day from Kigali?
Yes, in Rwanda. It is a long day, with about two and a half hours each way, but a trek from Kigali in one day is possible with early departure.
Are mountain gorillas the same as lowland gorillas?
No. They are different subspecies, live in different habitats and are studied and visited differently. Mountain gorillas have thicker fur and live at higher altitude.
Do I need a permit to see gorillas?
Yes. You need a permit for each person, booked in advance for a specific date. The permit is issued by the park authority in the country you visit.